Telepharmacy
Telepharmacy
Telepharmacy (pronounced: te-le-phar-ma-cy) is a branch of pharmacy that involves the delivery of pharmaceutical care via telecommunications to patients in locations where they may not have direct contact with a pharmacist. It is an important aspect of telemedicine, and has been of significant benefit in rural areas and for patients who are unable to visit pharmacies in person.
Etymology
The term "telepharmacy" is derived from the Greek word "tele" meaning "far off, afar, at or to a distance," and the word "pharmacy" which originates from the Greek word "pharmakon" meaning "drug, poison, spell". Thus, telepharmacy can be interpreted as the practice of pharmacy from a distance.
History
Telepharmacy services began in the early 2000s as a response to pharmacist shortages, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The advent of the internet and advancements in telecommunications technology made it possible for pharmacists to provide care to patients remotely.
Practice
In telepharmacy, a registered pharmacist can provide medication therapy management services, such as patient counseling, drug review, and monitoring for drug interactions, via videoconferencing or other means of communication. The pharmacist can also supervise pharmacy technicians at remote sites.
Related Terms
- Pharmacy: The science or practice of the preparation and dispensing of medicinal drugs.
- Telemedicine: The remote diagnosis and treatment of patients by means of telecommunications technology.
- Pharmacy Technician: A health care provider who performs pharmacy-related functions, generally working under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
- Medication Therapy Management: A service provided by pharmacists that aims to improve patient outcomes by optimizing medication use.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Telepharmacy
- Wikipedia's article - Telepharmacy
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